Updated indictment filed against ex-NC lawmaker

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Former Rep. Stephen LaRoque

Updated indictment filed against ex-NC lawmaker

Former Rep. Stephen LaRoque

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Additional charges have been filed against a former North Carolina state legislator accused of theft and money laundering related to federal funds loaned to his company.

An updated federal indictment now accuses ex-Rep. Stephen LaRoque of Kinston of four more charges, raising the counts against him to 12.

Prosecutors now allege the Republican filed false 2009 and 2010 tax returns and hid details about a scheme to benefit personally from loans designed to help rural communities. LaRoque already is accused of funneling $300,000 in loan proceeds to another company he owned to help family members.

LaRoque’s attorney didn’t immediately return a phone call or email Wednesday seeking comment on the new charges issued last week. But he previously said LaRoque is innocent. His trial wasn’t expected until at least mid-February.